A few days ago I was thinking about my Dad. He never liked shortcuts. In his later years when I would drive him to his doctor’s appointments or when he was riding with me, he would say, “Why did you turn here?” I would say, “It’s shorter! We can save some time.” To which he would reply, “I don’t think so. Stay on the main roads.” Dad was right! Life offers few, if any shortcuts! The same is true in our spiritual lives. Shortcuts don’t make you a stronger or better Christian. They in fact, may weaken you! The main roads of the Christian life are things like: Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, fellowship, loving one another, discipleship, missions and giving to support your church. Yes, when we take shortcuts, we are not helping ourselves or others. Stay on the main roads, pursue Jesus, love Him, serve Him faithfully and share with others God’s blessings upon your life! I sure do miss my Dad. But I’m thankful that I can remember the important things that he said to me like, “Stay on the main roads.”
I love the summertime, mainly because I love warm weather and of course, the beach. Our overall attendance has been pretty good. The Lord has sent us some wonderful families and you have been faithful. Praise the Lord! It goes without saying, that summertime is vacation time. I do want to encourage you to stay close to the Lord. Faithfully read God’s Word and pray. There is no substitute for family devotional times. All of us enjoy vacation time, Cheryl and I sure do! At the same time, financially things don’t change. It’s very important that we all do our part through faithful giving. Online giving (gracechurchnc.com) helps with this. Our weekly obligations do not change with the seasons. The Lord’s work is dependent upon our giving – that’s you and me! Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Our Summer Vacation Bible School is close. It begins on Sunday evening, July 21. Make yourself available for ministry. There are many opportunities to serve. Our children are important. Let the Lord use you. Cheryl and I will be leading a Parenting Class each evening. Join us and bring a friend. We are going to have a great time together, learning together and preparing ourselves to be the best parents we can be. Come on in. You’ll enjoy yourself, guaranteed!
Tomorrow’s message centers on I John 2:15-17. I have been challenged and blessed and you will be as well! Our children at TEEN VALLEY RANCH are traveling home today. Your prayers are appreciated. It is truly a joy serving Jesus with you. Our community and our world need what we have in Christ! Let’s serve Him and share Him together!
Mike and Cheryl <><